Fall webworms' setae

Hello, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. The fall webworms not only make ugly nests, but they are covered with, in their, case harmless spines – the scientific name is setae, and serve as a warning to other organisms, including people, to think twice about these touching or eating these caterpillars. In some caterpillar species, these hair-like structures are hollow and connected to glands that make poison – if animals, including curious human beings, touch them it can lead to a really painful reaction. If you have an encounter and the area is hurting, the poison control center advises repeatedly putting the sticky side of tape on the affected area and removing it, many of the setae are broken off and embedded in your skin. If you have any trouble breathing, immediately go to the emergency room or call an ambulance.